Historic 'Sconset
A summary of local groups and facilities that collaborate with the ‘Sconset Trust
A summary of local groups and facilities that collaborate with the ‘Sconset Trust.
Paul Judy, a local historian and inveterate researcher, together with a small group of ’Sconseters and islanders interested in preserving and documenting ’Sconset history formed the Siasconset Historical Research Group (SHRG) in 2008. Their idea for an annual village assembly to learn about and celebrate interesting aspects of the village’s history is an outgrowth of the Nantucket Historical Association’s (NHA) highly successful 2008 ’Sconset 02564 exhibition. Proceeds from the sale of the exhibition’s companion publication, ’Sconset: A History, were set aside by the NHA to fund ongoing research on the community’s history.
In collaboration with the NHA, the Nantucket Preservation Trust, and the ’Sconset Trust, Paul defined a plan for collecting and sharing historical information about properties, historical homes, personalities and community institutions.
The SHRG which now functions under the umbrella of the NHA holds a public meeting each August, named ’Sconset History Night. All interested individuals are invited to attend the meeting held at the ‘Sconset Casino to enjoy a talk on an aspect of ‘Sconset history.
2026: “History of the ‘Sconset Post Office Mailboxes” “You’ve Got Mail…and it’s in the Box! The History of the ‘Sconset Post Office Mailboxes” chronicles the meticulous restoration of the original ‘Sconset Post Office mailboxes by Jaime Holt. Bernie Coffin, owner of the “Sconset Post Office building, also describes his experiences in spearheading the beautiful remodeling of the Post Office building in 2006, maintaining its historical character and ensuring the preservation of the original mailboxes.
2025: “Connections: 100 Years with the ‘Sconset Water Department” celebrates the centennial of the water company’s official establishment with historic photographs and newspaper accounts, and commentary, asides and wanderings by water commissioner Rob Benchley. Special guest Nelson “Snookie” Eldridge added first-hand flavor to the story, which described the sometimes bumpy ride taken in order to get the water to flow.
2024: The Siasconset Casino, 125 Years
“125 Years ~ of the, and at the ~ Siasconset Casino” was the featured presentation of the 15th Annual ‘Sconset History Night held at the ‘Sconset Casino. Hannah Judy, Frank Anton, Mary Bergman, Kate Heller O’Reilly, Mike Roberts, and John Knight shared stories about the history of the Casino and the many activities and events it made possible, which have been enjoyed by the ‘Sconset community over the past 125 years.
2023: You’ve Got Mail! The History of the ‘Sconset Post Office
You’ve Got Mail! The History of the ‘Sconset Post Office was the featured presentation of the 14th Annual ‘Sconset History Night held at the ‘Sconset Casino. Hannah Judy shared a detailed history of the ‘Sconset Post Office, established in 1872. Hannah, Jamie Gretz, Rob Benchley, postmasters past and present, and others shared stories about the Post Office and the many postmasters who had served the ‘Sconset community over the past 150+ years.
2022: Codfish Park, Its Ebbs and Flows
At the 2022 ‘Sconset History Night the featured topic was Codfish Park, Its Ebbs and Flows. Bob Felch presented a historical overview of Codfish Park, Rick Blair provided memories and a virtual tour, and Rob Benchley shared family photos and discussed the storms that decimated Codfish Park homes and affected the ‘Sconset shoreline.
The ‘Sconset Volunteer Fire Department